F W Guest Memorial Lecture 1989: Commissions of Inquiry

Abstract

Commissions of inquiry have long been a part of the machinery of government. In this lecture Sir Ivor examines the process of commissions of inquiry and their investigations. The lecture identifies the various forms of inquiry, their purpose (whether advisory or investigative), and explains their close relationship with the courts. Sir Ivor then turns to discuss his experience of inquiry processes in chairing three governmental inquiries: the Committee of Inquiry into Inflation Accounting, the Committee of Inquiry into Solicitors Nominee Companies, and the Royal Commission on Social Policy.

Keywords: Commission of Inquiry, Royal Commission, Commission of Inquiry Act 1908, Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry, Statutory Commission of Inquiry, Human Rights Commission, Securities Commission, Law Commission

JEL Classification: H10, H11, H19, H70, H79, K40, K49